She had to think about his question. Did she like traveling?? In parts, she thought as she chewed a piece of bread more than necessary. Karen swallowed and then said, “Ye know, I liked it some but I’m always lookin’ fer home. Does that make sense at all?” she set her spoon gingerly down in the half empty bowl, then laced her fingers together.

“I had it with Harold for a few short months. My home was where he was.” Her lips quivered a little but she lifted her chin and kept her tears unshed. She listened to what he said about his wife and her chin began to quake. She took a deep and shuddering breath but was bound and determined to put a smile on her face despite, reaching out and patting his hand, but careful not to linger.

Oh no, she thought when he brought up that her neighbors were somewhat busybody, she wanted to cover her face in denial. Hopefully they wouldn’t get the wrong idea about her. She was not about to make a fool of herself over another man, even as handsome and kind as this one was. Of course, she kept this worry to herself, not wanting to imply anything at all. It was already too late when it came to them eating supper together. Nono, that was just a friendly supper between two people who were developing a friendship out of similar circumstances. That was all, that was it.

“Consider me warned,” she said with a soft chuckle, then, though the chuckle was a little raspy and her lips were quivering ever so slightly still. Then she took in a sharp breath and said, “I’ll need a few more days to meself and then I’ll visit them if they haven’t visited me first.”